Little Prayer Stories
Thursdays

Luminous Mysteries

The Luminous Mysteries, or Mysteries of Light, are five moments from Jesus’ public life, from his Baptism in the Jordan to the Last Supper. Saint John Paul II added them in 2002, and Catholics pray them on Thursdays.

Pray these mysteries →

  1. Stained glass of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River as the dove of the Holy Spirit comes down

    The Baptism of the Lord

    Jesus is baptized in the river Jordan. God the Father says that Jesus is His beloved Son, and a dove comes down from heaven.

    Read it in Matthew 3:13–17. Fruit of the mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit

  2. Stained glass of Jesus and Mary at the wedding at Cana, with servants pouring water into stone jars

    The Wedding at Cana

    At a wedding in Cana, the wine runs out. Mary asks Jesus to help, and He changes water into wine.

    Read it in John 2:1–12. Fruit of the mystery: To Jesus through Mary

  3. Stained glass of Jesus preaching beside a lake to a crowd sitting under a tree

    The Proclamation of the Kingdom

    Jesus tells everyone that God is near and loves them. He teaches us to say sorry and to trust God.

    Read it in Mark 1:14–15. Fruit of the mystery: Repentance and trust in God

  4. Stained glass of Jesus shining in white at the Transfiguration, with Moses and Elijah beside him and the apostles on the ground

    The Transfiguration

    Jesus goes up a mountain with three friends, and His face shines like the sun. God tells them to listen to Jesus.

    Read it in Luke 9:28–36. Fruit of the mystery: Desire for holiness

  5. Stained glass of Jesus at the table with his apostles at the Last Supper

    The Institution of the Eucharist

    At the Last Supper, Jesus shares bread and wine with His friends. He gives us the Eucharist so He can always be with us.

    Read it in Luke 22:14–20. Fruit of the mystery: Adoration

All the mysteries of the Rosary